91 



REPORT ON HEDGES. 



The onlj entry for the Society's premium on Hedges, this year, 

 was made by Joseph H. Billings, Esq., of West Roxbury. Other 

 hedges were noticed by the Committee, but were not of the requi- 

 site length for a premium. We would mention, in particular, one 

 of rare beauty and strength on the grounds of Caleb S. Holbrook, 

 Esq., in Randolph. 



The Committee had the pleasure of examining Mr. Billings' 

 hedge in company with several members of the Society, and it was, 

 to all present, an object of admiration for its vigorous growth, its 

 verdure, and its compact, symmetrical form. Though planted in 

 portions, at different times, it presented a remarkably uniform ap- 

 pearance. Not a plant had failed to take root and grow rapidly ; 

 so that, at but a short distance, it would not have been easy to 

 distinguish the difference in the periods of culture between the 

 several portions. Looking down from the summit of the grounds, 

 near their Eastern boundary, the beauty of the landscape was 

 heightened not a little by this fine hedge at the foot of the slope. 

 And when the plans in contemplation for improving these grounds 

 shall have been completed, there are, probably, few places in the 

 county, of similar character, which will present a more attractive 

 appearance. 



It were well worth the consideration of any one desiring to em- 

 bellish a homestead, whether the planting of a hedge should not 

 form an essential part of his plan. The common plea, that this is 

 discouraged by the destructive severity of our winters, seems to 

 have been fully answered by the experience of Mr. Billings and 

 others in our county, and the chief question remaining is, what va- 

 riety of shrub or tree suitable for a hedge will best endure that 

 severity. The stone wall and wooden fence cannot well be dis- 

 placed by any other enclosure around the fields, orchards and pas- 

 tures of most farms. Such grounds generally require more 

 protection than could be obtained and preserved, with economy, in 

 any other way. But there are localities where stone cannot easily 

 be obtained, and where posts and rails would, ultimately, be more 

 expensive than a live fence, — localities, where a hedge would be 

 most economical and afford equal security for small enclosures. 



The cultivation of live fences, then, seems to deserve more at- 

 tention among farmers than it has hitherto received. And we 

 hope that some one, fully acquainted with the subject, will give 

 such information respecting it, in a future volume of the Society's 

 Transactions, as will aid and encourage the general practice of 

 surrounding dwellings, sheltering gardens and enclosing orchards 

 and small fields by a hedge or live fence. 



